Engineered white quartz is durable and non-porous so it’s more sanitary and resists stains, scratches and corrosion. White concrete can achieve that pure white look and it’s also incredibly durable. White glass can be pricey, but in addition to being sleek and bright it’s also non-porous and perhaps the most hygienic option. If you’re on a budget, today’s laminates mimic more expensive granite and marble and also resist scratching and chipping.

The kitchen island often features a sizable slab of countertop so this can be used strategically to brighten up the space, or add detail that complements pure white features elsewhere in the room. Add contrast by choosing a different material than you used for the countertops. It’s pretty likely that the island will be where a lot of food prep and entertaining takes place, so depending on how you plan to use the kitchen island itself think about the material and how high maintenance it is.

Lack of Counter Space, You’ve reclaimed some counter space, but do you still feel like it’s not enough? That’s a common issue. We have ideas for maximizing (and even adding) more counter space to your small kitchen, including a trick for turning your sink into a cutting board (pictured above).